Could your own fat cells reverse frailty? a new trial investigates

NCT ID NCT03514537

First seen Oct 01, 2025 · Last updated Jun 22, 2026 · Updated 31 times

Summary

This study tests whether stem cells taken from a person's own belly or thigh fat can improve strength, energy, and quality of life in frail older adults. About 200 people aged 40 to 90 will have fat removed, processed to concentrate stem cells, and then infused back through an IV. The main goal is to check safety, but researchers will also track weight, activity levels, and how patients feel.

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This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Fanny Island Campus Medical Building

    Colchester, Vermont, 05446, United States

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

autologous stem/stromal cells from fat tissue

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a treatment to improve physical function and quality of life in frail older adults.

What could go wrong

The trial is suspended, very early, and small. It is unclear if the cells will provide any benefit, and there are risks from the fat harvest and IV infusion.

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

neurodegenerative disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.